Predicting The UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen Vs. Figueiredo Main Event

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Cory Sandhagen's Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Cory Sandhagen possesses a well-rounded skillset that makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the bantamweight division. His striking is arguably his biggest asset.

• Exceptional striking ability: Sandhagen boasts a diverse arsenal of strikes, including pinpoint accuracy and devastating power. His ability to seamlessly switch between combinations, kicks, and counters makes him incredibly unpredictable. He’s known for his spinning techniques and creative striking, often leading to highlight-reel knockouts.

• Superior speed and agility: His evasive footwork and lightning-fast reflexes make him incredibly difficult to hit cleanly. He utilizes movement to create angles and opportunities for strikes.

• Dynamic finishing ability: Sandhagen is capable of ending fights spectacularly, whether through a knockout or a submission. He's shown proficiency in both, adapting his approach depending on the opponent's vulnerabilities.

• Improved wrestling defense: While previously vulnerable to takedowns, Sandhagen has demonstrably improved his wrestling defense, making him a more complete fighter.

• Experience at Bantamweight: His extensive experience competing at bantamweight allows him to comfortably manage the pace and style of the division.

• Bullet points: Examples of previous highlight-reel knockouts and victories: His knockout win over Frankie Edgar is a prime example of his devastating power and precision, while his victories against Marlon Moraes and Song Yadong showcase his adaptability and strategic prowess.

Weaknesses

Despite his many strengths, Sandhagen has areas where he can be exploited.

• Susceptibility to grappling pressure from elite wrestlers: While his wrestling defense has improved, elite wrestlers who can effectively control the clinch and secure takedowns could pose a significant threat. Ground control could negate his striking advantage.

• Power punches can be less frequent: While his striking is incredibly precise, he often relies on volume striking rather than consistently delivering knockout power punches. This could be a factor against a durable opponent.

• Can be overly aggressive at times: His aggressive style, while effective, can sometimes leave him open to counter-attacks. This can be a risky strategy against powerful opponents.

• Bullet points: specific examples of past losses and moments of vulnerability: His loss to T.J. Dillashaw highlighted his vulnerabilities against a superior wrestler, while certain moments in other fights show his tendency to overextend, leaving him open for counters.

Deiveson Figueiredo's Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Deiveson Figueiredo is a former flyweight champion known for his explosive power and aggressive fighting style.

• Unmatched power in his hands: Figueiredo possesses devastating knockout power, capable of ending a fight with a single, well-placed punch. His power is a major threat at any weight class.

• Exceptional grappling abilities: He's not just a striker; Figueiredo also possesses strong takedowns, effective ground-and-pound, and submission skills. This makes him a well-rounded threat.

• Championship experience: His experience fighting at the highest level brings an unmatched composure and mental fortitude. He's a seasoned competitor who thrives under pressure.

• Brutally aggressive style: Figueiredo overwhelms opponents with constant pressure, making it incredibly difficult for them to implement their game plan. This unrelenting pressure is a key component of his success.

• Bullet points: Highlight wins, dominant performances: His victories against Brandon Moreno (though he lost the rematch) and Joseph Benavidez showcase his power and dominance.

Weaknesses

Despite his incredible power and aggression, Figueiredo also has vulnerabilities.

• Less effective in later rounds: His stamina has been a factor in some of his fights, with his performance sometimes diminishing in later rounds. This is a crucial weakness to consider.

• Defensive striking vulnerabilities: While his power is undeniable, his defensive striking can be improved. He can be hit cleanly, which could be a problem against a fast and accurate striker.

• Size disadvantage at bantamweight: Moving up to bantamweight means he might face opponents with a significant reach and size advantage, potentially affecting his ability to effectively land his power punches.

• Bullet points: specific examples of past losses and vulnerabilities: Certain fights highlight his stamina issues, while others show instances where he's been tagged by opponents due to defensive lapses.

Potential Fight Scenarios and Prediction

Sandhagen's Game Plan

Sandhagen's best strategy involves using his superior speed and footwork to out-point Figueiredo. He needs to maintain distance, utilize his diverse striking arsenal, and avoid being trapped in a grappling exchange. Effective movement and counter-striking will be crucial.

Figueiredo's Game Plan

Figueiredo’s game plan will likely center on using his power and grappling to overwhelm Sandhagen. Early takedown attempts would aim to neutralize Sandhagen’s striking advantage and set up ground-and-pound or submission attempts.

The Prediction

While Figueiredo possesses significant knockout power, Sandhagen’s speed, striking versatility, and improved wrestling defense make him a very tough matchup. The prediction leans towards a close decision victory for Sandhagen. However, a knockout victory for either fighter is very possible, particularly an early knockout for Figueiredo. The fight will likely hinge on Figueiredo's ability to avoid Sandhagen's striking and secure effective takedowns.

Conclusion

Predicting the UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo main event is a difficult task given the contrasting styles and skillsets of both competitors. Both fighters have clear paths to victory, making this a thrilling and unpredictable matchup. While our prediction favors Cory Sandhagen based on a strategic advantage, Deiveson Figueiredo's power remains a constant threat. Don't miss this highly-anticipated showdown! To stay informed on the latest UFC news and analysis, including more UFC Fight Night predictions and breakdowns, continue following our page.